It Looks Like Another Street in Missoula Is Getting Very Hip

There is only one 'Hip Strip' in Missoula, a funky, beloved little section of Higgins Ave. But lately, there's been another street in Missoula that's been getting a lot of attention. 

I'm talking about Main Street. In the last year or so multiple businesses have opened or announced openings in the first block of East Main Street. But head down East Main a little further and you'll find the other establishments that have already made this street cool. Here's a recap of some of the things that make Main Street awesome. 

Missoula on Main And Beyond - New Year's Eve Celebration

The annual New Year's Eve celebration that has come to replace First Night celebrates art and culture with free and ticketed events around Missoula, but on Main Street too. Some of Missoula's longstanding music groups like the Ed Norton Big Band, The Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, and the Drum Brothers all perform during this festival.

The World's Best Library (No, Really)

The new Missoula Public Library at 455 E Main St. is a hub of activity for Missoulians of all ages. And it doesn't hurt that the library was named the Public Library of the Year in 2022. The building that formerly held the library is currently being used as a home base for the Missoula Parks and Recreation Department.

Union Club Bar & Grill

Did you know Green Day once performed at the Union Hall? That alone makes this spot pretty hip. These days, the Union Club Bar & Grill has good grub and vibes and gives Main Street its cred.

Conflux Brewing

If a brewpub is more your style, Conflux Brewing is right next door to the Union Hall and has a taphouse and restaurant with award-winning beers. The address might be on North Pattee Street, the patio faces Main Street so it still counts.

Tosca Fine Oils and Balsamics

Tosca opened during the summer of 2023 and brought a delightful flavor experience to Main Street. The store at 137 E Main Street features dozens of flavored oils and balsalmics as well as pastas, cheeses, and cured meats.

Tea & Crepe

The Thai Ice Cream Roll shop also opened near the beginning of 2023 and offers sweet treats like milk tea, crepes, smoothies, and Thai Ice Cream Rolls. If we are comparing Main Street to the Hip Strip, then this would be the Big Dipper equivalent.

What's Coming to Main Street in Missoula

Catalyst2Go

Recently we got a sneak peek at the to-go menu for Catalyst2Go, the new venture from the owners of Catalyst Cafe and Espresso, which used to be on Higgins. This food establishment is sure to boost the 'hip factor' of Main Street when it opens, which is expected to be in April of 2024.

Betty Venom Vintage Is Moving Upstairs

The latest news is that Betty Venom Vintage is moving its store to street level at 114 East Main Street. The thoughtfully curated boutique will add a very Missoula aesthetic to Main Street and looks to be opening in April 2024 as well.

With so much activity and the changes coming in spring 2024, Main Street is becoming a fabulous section of downtown Missoula. We Missoulians need to coin a nickname befitting this stretch of town.